Decorating system

ABSTRACT

A decorating system for arranging a first display member in relation to at least a second display member. The display members are interconnected utilizing connecting elements and fasteners. The structure of the connecting members are such that the display members are maintained in a fixed position in relation to each other. The connecting elements comprise two connecting portions separated by either a spacing element or dimensional depth extender which provide for lateral and/or dimensional spacing between display members. The display members can be aligned symmetrically, asymmetrically, or a combination thereof utilizing the connecting elements.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a decorating system which allows aplurality of display members, such as canvases, to be connected in anydesired arrangement, preferably for a wall-hanging display, or afree-standing display. The decorating system comprises a plurality ofdisplay members and at least one connecting element for securing a firstdisplay member in a fixed position in relation to a second displaymember. Numerous different types of display members and connectingelements are disclosed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

As long as paintings, pictures, or the like have been hung on walls orother surfaces, systems have been developed to orient the art workrelative to each other. Often, it is desirable to combine a plurality ofindividual art works into a single display. It is also often desirableto utilize a plurality of frames or canvasses to form a single image.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,505,751 discloses a device for holding a display unit,for example, a picture disposed between a base and a transparent coverplate, on a surface. The device includes a bar adapted to be secured tothe surface and two holders adapted to be disposed on the bar and oneach of the two opposing edges of the display unit. Each such holder hasa first means for being carried by the bar and a second means forholding the display unit by clamping action. The second means isprovided a flexible lock adapted to press the display unit against theback of the surface provided therefor.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,706,397 discloses a picture frame cassette having aframe member with two crossing rectangular frames which surrounds apicture window. A back-plate is fitted at the rear of the frame memberbehind the picture window. The frame member and back-plate enclose apicture seating, the end regions of which are open at the rear for thefitting and engaging of photographs. The cassettes are secured togetherby tongues fitted in seatings in the back-plate and are engaged byprojections with apertures in the seatings. Securing recesses and stringare attached therein for hanging purposes.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,827,639 discloses that photographs are inserted withinseparate mounting frames which are, in turn, secured by their edges incorresponding channel-shaped grooves formed in a support which permitsthe frames to be displayed in a standing position. The grooves areprovided with rubber blocks for engaging edge portions of the frames toreportedly prevent their inadvertent removal from the grooves.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,912,863 discloses a modular picture frame for use in anassemblage of such frames having slots which extend inwardly of a baseof the frame, and into which an end of a connecting bar can be insertedand secured, the other end of the connecting bar then being insertableand securable within a similar slot of another modular picture frame.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,761,839 discloses an advertising device or sign that hasa plastic frame having a front that contains advertising. Theadvertisement is on a plastic laminate with holes around its peripherythat engage pins on the back of the frame. The back further hasreceptacles that engage a holder that forms an optional pocket. Theoptional pocket contains items that can be handed out or mailed. Theframes reportedly can be joined together to form a larger display thancan be accommodated on a single frame.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,054,968 discloses a modular graphics display assemblyfor supporting and displaying a plurality of art works. Preferably, themodular graphics display assembly includes a plurality of display basesfor supporting a plurality of art works. An anchoring mechanism such asa flange having a plurality of apertures formed therethrough is coupledabout a perimeter of each display base. A plurality of retention memberssuch as fasteners having a number of posts extending therefrom areremovably secured to selected anchoring mechanisms such that adjacentdisplay bases are coupled together. Preferably, the anchoring mechanismsare uniformly arranged about the display bases such that the displaybases may be arranged and rearranged into a variety of configurations.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,338,215 discloses a 3-dimensional array of pictureframes arranged in a plurality of parallel planes. The picture framesare interconnected by perpendicularly extending pegs frictionallyreceived in blind bores in the front of the rearward frame and in theback of the forward frame. Replaceable decorative sleeves surround thepegs.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,705,034 discloses a frame for a sheet of a displaymaterial such as a photograph which includes a backing support having alocating member to receive and locate the sheet of display material tobe displayed, a transparent cover sheet for holding the display materialin position while enabling the sheet to be visible and a holding memberfor holding the transparent cover sheet in position. The holding memberis removable from the front to enable the transparent cover sheet to beremovable for replacement of the sheet of display material from thefront of the frame.

U.S. Publication No. 2002/0059745 discloses a 3-dimensional array ofpicture frames arranged in a plurality of parallel planes. The pictureframes are interconnected by perpendicularly extending pegs frictionallyreceived in blind bores in the front of a rearward frame and in the backof a forward frame.

U.S. Publication No. 2003/0056413 discloses a display system fordisplaying graphics. A display system may include a first frameconfigured to be coupled to the support surface, a first panelconfigured to be removably coupled to the first frame, and a firstgraphic component provided on the first panel. The display system mayfurther include a second frame configured to be coupled to the supportsurface, a second panel configured to be removably coupled to the secondframe, and a second graphic component provided on the second panel. Thefirst graphic and the second graphic components are configured toprovide a portion of the enlarged graphic.

U.S. Publication No. 2004/0016164 discloses an interconnecting frameassembly including a picture frame body supported by a hanging rail. Aprotrusion on the frame body slideably engages a recessed area on thehanging rail so that the rail supports the frame body. Each frame bodycontains a male protrusion and a female recessed area to permit a secondframe body to slideably engage the first picture frame body. Thisconfiguration reportedly allows multiple picture frame bodies to beattached together while being supported by the rail.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A decorating system is described that provides design possibilities onlylimited by one's imagination. The decorating system of the presentinvention allows a plurality of display members to be alignedsymmetrically, or asymmetrically, or a combination thereof, at spacedintervals of various distances.

Alignment of the display members is achieved utilizing a connectingelement which can be connected to any location on a display member, andnot limited to only a few specific locations, such as a center point ofa frame as described in the prior art. The connecting elements in oneembodiment provides for dimensional spacing, i.e. depth, between displaymembers, as well as lateral or positional spacing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood and other features andadvantages will become apparent by reading the detailed description ofthe invention, taken together with the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of one embodiment of the decorating system of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a further embodiment of the decorating systemof the present invention.

FIGS. 3A-3G are plan views of various embodiments of display members ofthe present invention.

FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate examples of various embodiments of connectingelements.

FIG. 5 is an end view through one embodiment of the decorating system ofthe present invention showing two display members connected by adimensional connecting element. A partial cross section of a displaymember is also shown.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a connecting elementof the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This description of preferred embodiments is to be read in connectionwith the accompanying drawings, which are part of the entire writtendescription of this invention. In the description, correspondingreference numbers are used throughout to identify the same orfunctionally similar elements. Relative terms such as “horizontal,”“vertical,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivativesthereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should beconstrued to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown inthe drawing figure under discussion. These relative terms are forconvenience of description and are not intended to require a particularorientation unless specifically stated as such. Terms including“inwardly” versus “outwardly,” “longitudinal” versus “lateral” and thelike are to be interpreted relative to one another or relative to anaxis of elongation, or an axis or center of rotation, as appropriate.Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected”and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures aresecured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly throughintervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments orrelationships, unless expressly described otherwise. The term“operatively connected” is such an attachment, coupling or connectionthat allows the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue ofthat relationship.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1, 2 and 5 illustrate variousembodiments of the decorating system of the present invention whichprovides a surface to display one or more visual images such as, but notlimited to, paintings, text, graphic images, printing, or photographs.The decorating system can be connected to any of a number of surfacessuch as walls, floors, ceilings, posts, beams, or the like, butpreferably a wall. The application surface can be horizontal, vertical,or generally any other angle, as the decorating system of the inventionis versatile.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, decorating system 10 includes two ormore display members 20 connected by one or more connecting elements 30.The decorating system 10 is preferably connected to a wall or othersurface using hanger 50 as known in the art, although other securingmeans as known in the art can be utilized, if desired or necessary dueto surface configurations.

Display member 20 is designed to have an image, graphic, object, or thelike, applied thereto for display. In a preferred embodiment, displaymember 20 is a canvas, which can be painted or decorated in any mannerby a consumer, artist, or the like. Accordingly, the display member 20in one embodiment is a framed piece having a surface which is capable ofaccepting design media including, but not limited to, inks, paints,waxes, oils, plaster, fabric, yarn, thread, photographs, paper,textiles, aerosol paint, faux finishing, scrapbook type embellishments,or the like.

In one embodiment as shown in at least FIG. 5, display member 20includes a stretcher bar or frame 22 and a covering material 24operatively connected thereto. The illustrated covering material 24 is acanvas for painting, which is connected to frame 22 by one or morefasteners, such as glue, nails, staples, or the like.

The display member frame 22 can be constructed using materialsincluding, but not limited to, wood, metal, polymers, eitherthermosetting or thermoplastic, or combinations thereof, with wood beingpreferred. Covering materials 24 can be the same as for frame 22 or alsoinclude, but are limited to, canvas, fabric, paper, woven or non-wovenmaterials either natural or synthetic, glass, or combinations thereof.

In order to create a desired visual impression, the display members 20utilized in the decorating system 10 can vary in number and size, asillustrated in the non-limiting embodiments shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5. Adisplay member 20 can be the same or different than a second, third,etc. display member 20 of a decorating system 10 and can be circular,oval, square, rectangular, triangular, diamond, hexagonal, octagonal, orany other geometric shape, or the like. The display members 20 can evenhave arbitrary shapes or designs, if desired. Regarding sizes, eachdisplay member 20 of one embodiment of the decorating system may be thesame as another display member 20, but one or more are preferablydifferent. Combinations of shapes and sizes of display members 20 arepreferably varied in order to create a distinct, original, or desiredoverall pattern or visual impression, in combination with the connectingelement 30. Examples of display member 20 sizes include, but are notlimited to, a 5.5″×5.5″, a 6″×6″, or a 12″×12″, or 25″×25″squares; a5.5″×12″ or 12″×25″ rectangles; 12″×12″ or 25″×25″octagons; and12″×12″×12″ or 12″×12″×17″ triangles. Examples of various display membershapes and sizes are illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3G as 20 a through 20 g.

As described herein, the connecting elements 30 secure display members20 in relation to each other. One or more connecting elements 30 arepreferably used to operatively join, couple, interconnect, fix, or thelike, two or more display members 20 as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5. Thestructure of a specific connecting element 30 utilized dictates therelative positioning between adjacent display members 20. In oneembodiment, a connecting element 30, as shown in FIG. 4D, alignsadjacent display members 20 so they abut or touch along end portionsthereof. In a preferred embodiment, adjacent display members 20 arefixedly spaced at predetermined increments by connecting element 30, forexample, at lateral distances, i.e. substantially in the same plane, ofabout 0.5, 1, 2, 3 or more inches, or increments therebetween, with 1inch being preferred.

One embodiment of a connecting element 30 is illustrated in FIG. 4A.Connecting element 30 includes a base portion 31 which extends apredetermined length as desired in order to connect a display member 20thereto at each connecting portion 32. Connecting portion 32 preferablyincludes one or more apertures 36 which accept a fastener 40 such as ascrew, nail, bolt, or the like, and permit the display members 20,preferably a back portion thereof, to be connected to connecting element30. In one embodiment, the aperture is countersunk to accept the head ofthe fastener to facilitate substantially flush mounting of thedecorating system to a surface. Each connecting portion 32 is generallyplanar or flat having a length, width, and thickness, with the thicknessbeing minimal to allow the display members 20 to be located as close toa surface, such as a wall 12, as possible. That is, connecting portion32 has a flat planar upper surface adapted to be connected to a backportion, preferably flat, of a display member 20. Thus, connectingportion 32 upper surface is free of any protrusions, projections, walls,slots, extensions or the like, which could interfere with connection ofconnecting element 30 to a connecting surface of display member 20.

Connecting element 30 is also provided with a spacing element 34 havinga side surface 35 against which a side of display member 20 is abutted.The distance of spacing element 34 between connecting portions 32 thusprovides a spacing distance between adjacent display members 20 as shownin FIGS. 1 and 2. Spacing element 34 length between connecting portions32 ranges generally from about 0.25 to about 6 inches, desirably from0.5 to about 4 inches, and preferably is 1, 2 or 3 inches. Spacingelement 34 can have any of numerous forms or shapes, such as, but notlimited to, an arch, a square, a rectangle, or the like. Connectingelement 30 can be formed from wood, metal, plastic or the like, orcombinations thereof. Spacing element 34 has a height, i.e. extends outfrom the plane of base 31, of from about 0.5 to about 3 inches,desirably from about 0.75 to about 1.25 inches, and preferably fromabout 0.75 to about 1 inch.

In a further embodiment, connecting element 30 is a dimensional planespacer which connects two or more display members 20 in different planesas illustrated in FIG. 5. The planes of the display members 20 arepreferably parallel as shown, but can be otherwise. The dimensionalspacer connecting element 30 includes a depth extender section 37connected between two connecting portions 32. Depth extender section 37can be any length, but ranges generally from about 0.25 or about 0.5 toabout 12 inches, desirably about 1 to about 6 inches, and preferablyabout 1 to about 2 or about 4 inches.

As described hereinabove, connecting portions 32 each include one ormore apertures in order to connect to a display member 20. Angle 38between depth extender section 37 and connecting portion 32 rangesgenerally from about 45° to about 135°, desirably from about 70° toabout 110°, and preferably is about 90°.

In one embodiment, the decorating system 10 of the present invention isprepared as a kit comprising a plurality of display members 20 and atleast one connecting element 30, which can be utilized to connectdisplay members 20. In some embodiments, the decorating system includesa number of different types of display members 20 in order to produce adesired defect, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. For example, a kit forthe decorating system shown in FIG. 1 would include five square displaymembers, four triangular and four square members 20, and at least twelveconnecting elements 30, along with a suitable number of fasteners, inorder to produce the design shown. Likewise, the decorating systemillustrated in FIG. 2 would include a kit comprising four displaymembers 20 and five connecting elements 20, along with a suitable numberof fasteners. As also illustrated in FIG. 2, one or more connectingelement can be utilized to connect to adjacent display members.Furthermore, connecting elements can be connected to display members atlocations other than a center point between ends.

While in accordance with the patent statutes the best mode and preferredembodiment have been set forth, the scope of the invention is notlimited thereto, but rather by the scope of the attached claims.

1. A decorating system for displaying a plurality of visual images on awall, post or beam, comprising: a first display member, a second displaymember and at least one connecting element connecting the first andsecond display members at a fixed distance from each other, wherein theconnecting element comprises (a) a spacing element, and (b) first andsecond connecting portions each having a first end connected to thespacing element, wherein the first connecting portion is fastened to aback surface of the first display member and the second connectingportion is fastened to a back surface of the second display member,wherein the first and second display members include a frame and acovering material connected to the frame, wherein the covering materialincludes canvas, paper, or natural or synthetic woven or non-wovenfabric material, wherein the spacing element has a length of from about0.25 to about 6 inches, wherein at least a portion of the spacingelement extends a distance between the back surface and a front surfaceof the first display member and the back surface and a front surface ofthe second display member, wherein the first connecting portion andsecond connecting portion are planar, wherein the first and secondconnecting portion planar surfaces are in the same plane, and whereinthe spring element is raised from the plane containing the first andsecond connecting portion planar surfaces and has a height measured fromthe plane of about 0.5 to about 3 inches.
 2. (canceled)
 3. Thedecorating system according to claim 2, wherein the spacing element hasa length between the connecting portions of from about 0.50 to about 4inches, wherein the first and second connecting portions each include anaperture, wherein a fastener extends through each aperture and connectsthe first and second display members to the connecting element.
 4. Thedecorating system according to claim 3, wherein the first display memberis a different shape than the second display member, and wherein thespacing element is shaped as an arch, a square or rectangle.
 5. Thedecorating system according to claim 3, wherein the spacing element hasa length of from about 1 to about 2 inches, wherein the connectingportion has an upper surface that is free of a protrusion, projection,wall, slot, or extension.
 6. The decorating system according to claim 5,wherein the first and second display member covering material is canvas.7-10. (canceled)
 11. A decorating system kit for displaying a pluralityof visual images, comprising: a first display member having a frontsurface with a length and a height, a back surface, and a depth betweenthe front and back surfaces, wherein at least the front surface of thefirst display member includes a covering material, wherein the coveringmaterial includes canvas, paper, or natural or synthetic woven ornon-woven fabric material; a second display member having a frontsurface with a length and a height different than the first displaymember, a back surface, and a depth between the front and back surfaces,wherein at least the front surface of the second display member includesa covering material, wherein the covering material includes canvas,paper, or natural or synthetic woven or non-woven fabric material; andat least one connecting element adapted to connect the first and seconddisplay members a predetermined distance from each other, wherein theconnecting element includes two substantially flat, planar connectingportions joined by a spacing element or depth extender section, whereinthe spacing element has a length between the connecting portions ofabout 0.25 to about 6 inches and a height substantially perpendicular tothe length of about 0.25 to about 3 inches, and wherein the depthextender section has a length from about 0.25 to about 6 inches.
 12. Thekit according to claim 11, wherein the spacing element is present, whenthe spacing element length is from about 0.25 to about 2 inches, whereinthe connecting portions planar surfaces are in the same plane, andwherein the spring element is raised from the plane containing the firstand second connecting portion planar surfaces and the height measuredfrom the plane is about 0.5 to about 3 inches.
 13. The kit according toclaim 12, wherein the spacing element has a length of from about 1 toabout 2 inches, and wherein the spacing element is shaped as an arch, asquare, or rectangle.
 14. The kit according to claim 11, wherein theconnecting element includes the depth extender section, and wherein anangle between a plane of each connecting portion and a plane of thedepth extender is from about 45° to about 135°.
 15. The kit according toclaim 11, wherein the depth extender section length is from about 1 toabout 4 inches.
 16. The kit according to claim 15, wherein theconnecting element includes the depth extender section, wherein an anglebetween a plane of each connecting portion and a plane of the depthextender is from about 70° to about 110°, and wherein the connectingportions are in parallel planes.
 17. The kit according to claim 12,wherein the first display member is a different shape than the seconddisplay member, and wherein the spacing element is shaped as an arch, asquare or rectangle, wherein the connecting portion has an upper surfacethat is free of a protrusion, projection, wall, slot, or extension. 18.The kit according to claim 16, wherein the first display member is adifferent shape than the second display member, and wherein the spacingelement is shaped as an arch, a square or rectangle, and wherein thecovering material of the first and second display members is canvas. 19.The decorating system according to claim 6, wherein the decoratingsystem further includes a third display member connected to either thefirst or second display members by a second connecting elementconfigured as defined for said connecting element, and wherein the thirddisplay member includes a frame and covering material connected to theframe, wherein the covering material is canvas, paper, or a natural orsynthetic woven or non-woven material.
 20. The decorating systemaccording to claim 19, wherein the connecting portion has an uppersurface that is free of a protrusion, projection, wall, slot, orextension.